#moonfall series

[jessread-s]

✩🌙🐉Review:

736 pages of everything I’ve ever wanted in a thrilling fantasy romance!

“When the Moon Hatched” follows Raeve, a valued Elding Blade of the rebellion group Fíur du Ath, after she is captured by a renowned bounty hunter employed by The Crown. She finds herself at the mercy of the Guild of Nobles—a group of dual-beaded elementals who intend to turn her into a political statement. That is until Kaan Vaegor stumbles upon her. Echoes of the past race between them. There’s more to their story than meets the eye, but some truths are too poisonous to swallow.

This book is a vibrant tapestry woven together with lyrical prose, an immersive world, a unique magic system, mysterious creatures, complex characters, and a beautifully devastating romance. I was captivated by every single thread to the point that I became so deeply entangled in the book that I was afraid to reach the end, because it meant parting the world and the characters in it. 

The first half of “When the Moon Hatched” is very slow-paced, which might be a deterrent to some, but was actually helpful for me as I adjusted to Parker’s intricate, dense world-building and parsed through her world’s rich history. Referring to the glossary and map was especially helpful and enriched my reading experience. 

Once the pacing picked up, I was gripped by the plot and the multiple perspectives I read from that contributed to its unfolding. I particularly love Raeve’s character. She is a strong, sassy, female protagonist that takes matters into her own hands and doesn’t allow anyone to make her feel less than. Her chemistry with Kaan is undeniable and I really enjoyed how it took her by surprise. She tries to brush it off, but not even their witty banter can mask the tension and longing behind every word, touch, and glance between them. The two are slow to act on their feelings, despite my suffering, but the payoff is a balm to the soul.

Parker really got me with the shocking revelations made in the final few chapters. I anxiously await “The Ballad of Falling Dragons”!

Cross-posted to: Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph

[fiveflatcutie]

the book picks up so well after like 10 chapters and now i can’t find it in myself to put it down! 😩

[torpublishinggroup]

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The Starless Crown by James Rollins is now available in trade paperback! 

Fight. 

The. 

Moon. 

[booksandfantasies]

Mini haul of books I got my friend for her birthday. I hope she loves these books as much as I do.

[talonabraxas]

Medusa Spitblossoms Medusa: A Mythological Tale of Maiden to Monstrosity

Medusa, a name that evokes both fascination and terror, is one of the most intriguing figures in Greek mythology. This captivating Gorgon, known for her hair of serpents and the ability to turn mortals into stone, has been the subject of countless artistic interpretations, symbolizing power, femininity, and the complex nature of humanity. Although Medusa is not considered a goddess, she is an important and unique character from Greek mythology, specifically one of the Gorgons, three sisters known for their monstrous appearance.

While Medusa is a notable figure in Greek mythology and has been the subject of various artistic interpretations and symbolism, she is not worshipped as a goddess in the traditional sense. Over time, Medusa myth has been used as a symbol to protect and ward off the negative, representing a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil. In this blog post, we will delve into the myth of Medusa and explore the profound symbolism associated with her enigmatic persona.

Medusa, a name that evokes both fascination and terror, is one of the most intriguing figures in Greek mythology. This captivating Gorgon, known for her hair of serpents and the ability to turn mortals into stone, has been the subject of countless artistic interpretations, symbolizing power, femininity, and the complex nature of humanity. Although Medusa is not considered a goddess, she is an important and unique character from Greek mythology, specifically one of the Gorgons, three sisters known for their monstrous appearance.

While Medusa is a notable figure in Greek mythology and has been the subject of various artistic interpretations and symbolism, she is not worshipped as a goddess in the traditional sense. Over time, Medusa myth has been used as a symbol to protect and ward off the negative, representing a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil. In this blog post, we will delve into the myth of Medusa and explore the profound symbolism associated with her enigmatic persona.

The Mythical Origins of Medusa:

Medusa Greek mythology was once a beautiful mortal woman with flowing hair. However, due to a series of unfortunate events, she was cursed by the goddess Athena, transforming her into a monstrous creature. Her once luscious locks were replaced by serpents, and her gaze became the deadly weapon that turned any who looked upon her to stone. This tale of transformation and divine punishment carries deep symbolic meaning, resonating with themes of beauty, envy, and the consequences of hubris.

Medusa Spiritual Meaning:

While Medusa mythology is often depicted as a terrifying monster, she also embodies a potent symbol of feminine power. Her serpentine hair represents primordial wisdom, connected to the chthonic forces of nature and the untamed aspects of femininity. Medusa challenges traditional notions of beauty and subverts the male gaze, offering an alternative archetype of strength and resilience for women throughout history. In modern times, she has become an icon for female empowerment, encouraging women to embrace their unique qualities and reclaim their narrative.

Medusa in Art and Literature:

Throughout the ages, artists and writers have been captivated by Medusa's enigmatic allure, immortalizing her in various forms. From ancient Greek pottery to Renaissance paintings and contemporary sculptures, Medusa's image continues to inspire creative interpretations. Notable works such as Caravaggio's "Medusa" and Bernini's "Medusa Shield" showcase the enduring fascination with this mythological figure. Furthermore, Medusa's presence in literature, from Ovid's "Metamorphoses" to contemporary novels, reflects her enduring relevance as a complex symbol of power, desire, and the human condition.

Medusa as a Metaphor for the Human Psyche:

Medusa symbolism as a figure of feminine power, Medusa also represents the intricate workings of the human psyche. The concept of "petrification" associated with her gaze can be interpreted as the fear of facing our deepest fears and desires, the paralysis that comes with inaction, or the consequences of avoiding self-reflection. Medusa reminds us that embracing and integrating our shadow selves is a crucial step towards personal growth and self-actualization.

Medusa and Poseidon

Medusa greek mythology was described as a beautiful mortal woman before she was cursed. She was said to have flowing golden or auburn hair, which was considered her most striking feature. Her beauty was so captivating that she caught the attention of various suitors and even garnered the interest of the sea god Poseidon.

However, after an encounter with Poseidon in the temple of Athena, Medusa's fate took a tragic turn. According to the myth, Poseidon raped Medusa within the temple of Athena, defiling the sacred space. As a result of this violation, Athena punished Medusa rather than Poseidon. The enraged Athena cursed Medusa, transforming her appearance into a grotesque form to punish her. Her beautiful hair was turned into serpents, her eyes became glowing and petrifying, and her once attractive countenance became monstrous.

It's important to note that descriptions of Medusa's appearance can vary in different interpretations and artistic depictions. Artists and storytellers throughout history have depicted Medusa in various ways, emphasizing different aspects of her monstrous transformation. However, the common thread in the myth is that she was initially a beautiful woman who was tragically transformed into a horrifying creature as a result of a curse bestowed upon her.

Perseus and Medusa

The story of Medusa and Perseus is a well-known tale in Greek mythology. It involves the hero Perseus and his quest to slay the monstrous Gorgon Medusa.

Perseus was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Danaë, a mortal woman. When Perseus was a baby, an oracle prophesied that he would one day kill his grandfather, Acrisius. To prevent this, Acrisius locked Danaë and Perseus in a chest and cast them into the sea. They were eventually rescued by a fisherman and brought to the island of Seriphos, where they lived.

As Perseus grew older, King Polydectes of Seriphos became infatuated with Danaë and desired to marry her. Perseus, reluctant to see his mother wedded to the king, accepted a dangerous task proposed by Polydectes. The king requested the head of Medusa, the only mortal Gorgon, as a gift from Perseus.

The Gorgons, Medusa included, were monstrous creatures with snakes for hair and the power to turn people to stone with their gaze. Medusa, in particular, possessed this petrifying ability. To aid him in his quest, Perseus received various gifts from the gods, including a reflective shield from Athena, winged sandals from Hermes, and a helm of invisibility from Hades.

Using these divine gifts, Perseus embarked on his journey. He managed to find the three Gorgons, including Medusa, in their lair. Avoiding direct eye contact with Medusa, he used his shield as a mirror to observe her without turning to stone. With a swift strike, Perseus beheaded Medusa while she slept. The winged horse Pegasus and the giant Chrysaor, both born from Medusa's blood, emerged from her severed neck.

On his way back, Perseus encountered various adventures, including rescuing Andromeda, a princess, from a sea monster. Eventually, he returned to Seriphos and used Medusa's head as a weapon against his enemies. In one incident, he petrified King Polydectes and his court, avenging his mother's mistreatment.

Perseus later reunited with his grandfather, Acrisius. However, the prophecy came true when Perseus accidentally killed Acrisius during a discus-throwing contest. As a result, Perseus fulfilled the prophecy, but his heroic feats brought him renown and established his place in Greek mythology.

The myth of Medusa and Perseus is often seen as a tale of heroism, triumph over monstrous forces, and the fulfillment of prophecies. It showcases Perseus' courage, resourcefulness, and divine assistance in his quest to slay Medusa and the subsequent events that unfolded as a result.

Medusa's Children

According to Greek mythology, Medusa goddess did have offspring. After Perseus, the hero who beheaded Medusa, two creatures emerged from her severed neck: Pegasus and Chrysaor.

Pegasus was a winged horse known for his incredible speed and association with poetry and inspiration. He became a famous mythological figure in his own right and was tamed by the hero Bellerophon, who rode him on various adventures.

Chrysaor, on the other hand, was a giant or a warrior with a golden sword. His name translates to "Golden Blade." Chrysaor is not as widely known or featured in mythology as Pegasus, but he is often mentioned as the sibling of the winged horse.

It's important to note that Medusa's offspring were not conceived in the traditional sense but were born from her blood or the remnants of her body after her death. They played significant roles in subsequent mythological narratives and were seen as the legacy of Medusa, carrying aspects of her power and essence.

Was Medusa Immortal?

In Greek mythology, Medusa was not immortal. Like many other figures in Greek mythology, she was a mortal who possessed certain abilities and encountered divine beings. Medusa was originally a beautiful mortal woman, but due to a curse placed upon her by the goddess Athena, she was transformed into a monstrous creature with snakes for hair and the ability to turn people to stone with her gaze.

Medusa's immortality, or lack thereof, can be interpreted differently depending on the version of the myth. Some sources suggest that she was mortal and eventually slain by the hero Perseus, who used a mirror-like shield to avoid looking directly at her and beheaded her while she slept. In this interpretation, Medusa's death implies that she was not immortal.

However, other versions of the myth propose that Medusa, along with her sisters, possessed a degree of immortality. They were depicted as beings who could not be killed conventionally due to their monstrous nature. Their immortality was tied to their monstrous form, which persisted despite any injuries inflicted upon them. It was only through a specific act, such as Perseus using his reflective shield to decapitate her, that Medusa could be defeated.

Overall, the concept of Medusa's immortality can vary depending on the interpretation of the myth. In some versions, she was mortal and eventually slain, while in others, she possessed a form of immortality that required a specific method of defeating her.

Is Medusa a Goddess?

Medusa is not a goddess; she's a figure from Greek mythology. She was originally a beautiful woman turned into a Gorgon with snakes for hair. Medusa is often associated with her petrifying gaze.

What Does Medusa Symbolize?

The Medusa meaning is multifaceted and can be interpreted through various lenses, including mythology, psychology, and symbolism. Here are a few key aspects of the meaning associated with Medusa:

What Does Medusa Represent?

Transformation and Metamorphosis: Medusa's story revolves around a significant transformation. She was once a beautiful mortal woman who, due to a curse, became a grotesque figure with snakes for hair and the power to turn people to stone. Her tale represents the concept of metamorphosis, both physically and symbolically. It reflects the potential for profound changes in one's life and the transformative power that lies within.

Complexity and Duality: Medusa embodies the complexity and duality of human nature. On one hand, she is depicted as a monstrous figure capable of petrifying others. On the other hand, she was once a beautiful woman who faced unjust punishment. This duality reflects the intricate nature of humanity, showcasing how individuals can possess both light and dark aspects within themselves.

Reflection and Self-Exploration: Medusa's gaze, which turned people to stone, can be seen as a metaphor for self-reflection and the consequences of avoiding or denying one's own truth. Medusa prompts individuals to confront their inner fears, desires, and shadows. Her story encourages deep introspection, acceptance, and the integration of all aspects of oneself.

Archetypal and Symbolic Representation: Medusa has become an archetypal figure, representing various themes and symbols. These include femininity, power dynamics, wisdom, protection, transformation, and the embodiment of the wild and untamed forces of nature. Her symbolism transcends time and continues to resonate with individuals seeking to understand and express different facets of the human experience.

Medusa in Modern Witchcraft

Medusa's role in witchcraft varies depending on the specific tradition or belief system being explored. It's important to note that Medusa herself is a figure from Greek mythology, while witchcraft encompasses a wide range of practices and beliefs that can be found in different cultures throughout history.

In some modern forms of witchcraft, Medusa energy may be invoked or revered as a symbol of feminine power, transformation, and protection. She is seen as a representation of the wild, untamed aspects of nature and the feminine divine. Some witches may draw inspiration from her story to connect with their own inner strength, resilience, and the ability to face challenges.

In certain magical practices, Medusa's image or symbolism might be incorporated into rituals, spells, or charms for specific purposes. For example, her serpentine hair might be seen as a potent symbol for the awakening of kundalini energy or as a representation of the transformative power of the serpent archetype.

It's essential to recognize that witchcraft is a diverse and multifaceted spiritual path, and individuals or groups within witchcraft traditions may interpret and incorporate Medusa's symbolism differently. Medusa's role in witchcraft is often subjective and open to personal interpretation, reflecting the practitioner's unique beliefs and intentions.

[crabas-lordes]

Sunrise does have a twin brother, Moonfall.

Moonfall is more aggressive than him.

TSLTA concept belongs to me and @shadzytarts!

You can find the series here (Rated M-E) or in my pinned post!

Yes, those "wings" can help him glide/kind of fly, too.

[addledmongoose]

Good Omens Fanfic Friday (28 Jun 2024)

Smaller list than I've had for the last couple of weeks but some great stuff nonetheless.

A Devil's Touch (1.8K; Rated T) by @untimelysteph

Aziraphale gets jealous when someone hits on Crowley at the pub. I like lighthearted jealousy stories. I'd love more where Mr. Brown hits on Aziraphale (to his annoyance and Crowley's jealousy).

***

Tribute (43K; Rated E) by @snae-b

Human AU. Continuing last week's run through snae_b stories. Set in a far future apocalypse, Aziraphale is a Guardian, tasked with protecting the underground cave system his people live in, until he discovers truths he can no longer ignore and escapes.

Water is scarce, the surface is unlivable, and Eden isn’t the paradise Aziraphale once thought he knew. But for a Guardian on the run, it's out of one lion's den, into another.

***

Faeted (series) (251K; Rated G/T) by @ineffably-good

Human/Fae AU. I was absolutely entranced by this series from page one. I haven't been as excited to dive into the next book (and as equally sad when it ended) since I read #RAINBOWROAD. It has a wonderful cast of side characters (Hastur and Ligur are standouts, and for once aren't villains), beautiful world-building, and Ezra manages to hold his own in a realm that's extremely dangerous for a human.

There are four stories (3 novels and a one-shot set after book 2). Crowley, being the fae lord of the Unseelie court, is more capricious than canon Crowley (necessary to hold his reign), but he's kind and loving toward Ezra, and he's willing to change and grow. This one is going on my best-of list for sure, and I'm already thinking of re-reading it. I just want to live in this world for as long as possible.

Ezra Fell is an English professor at a prestigious academy for boys. Crowley is the lord of the Unseelie court in the lands without sunrise or moonfall. Somehow fate will bring them together.

[innestahtinen]

so i'm 22 hours into this video, and i'm at the stage of 'the fuck are you talking about?' an evil version of your reviewer character shows up, a novel concept that's never been seen before, whatever (I'm joking, i like the Dr. Russano voice) but I guess I'm getting tired, because I'm just confused as to if Quinton set all of this up intentionally, or if it happens to kinda work.

i like that Evil Russ' second appearance is vaguely the plot of Moonfall (2022). I have watched it, but it wasn't great, I rated 3.5/5. I liked the scene of the rocket taking off through the wave. it's the only thing I say if I'm telling someone about the movie.

i like how nice he seems, like how he was interacting with Johnmas, like everytime he shows up Quinton fights or shoots him, or at the 10/12 hour mark (I don't remember, I'm sorry), he goes "Ok, if you've been watching since the video came out, stop, go to bed, I'll be here in the morning.' it's just his son's -sona is antagonistic to his audience sometimes; the time he threatened the viewers with a gun if they didn't subscribe to Hippie Rat or go watch the Billiam video in the comment in the second Sam & Cat video, and the pus scene in the second Victorious video, the "I didn't censor it this time, Fuck you."

i'll probably post again at the end. I'm going to watch tonight until i get to the '64 series' section.

edit: fuck, forgot a quote;

'There's only room in this town for one big banana.' - "Captain Feathersword", 6th July 2004

[hmshermitcraft]

Pearl had been healing from her experiences very well with Scott and Sausages help. Until the coma happened.

Gem just found her in a coma and the hermits expected the worst so they called in Scott and Sausage. Turns out that was a horrible mistake.

When she woke up and saw them she immediately screamed in the same way she screamed for the hermits. The condition now not only includes the hermits but the life players and the emperors.

Everyone was upset of that. It was like the nightmares wanted Pearl to suffer every night. And it was.

Doc found out that Void Water once it entered Pearl's system it had used her fears and anxiety to create the maze she now was trapped in every time she slept and she could only leave if she died.

Then it was officially found. It was also using Pearl's self blame that she has had since childhood. Gem and Grian knew her the longest and recounted many times she blamed herself. She blamed herself for the moonfall and empires destruction and the life games.

The hermits now know that to help Pearl they need to convince her that she isn't to blame

first ask!

The hermits all saw the way Sausage's heart broke when Pearl turned that terrified gaze onto him for the first time. A lot of their hearts broke for him, knowing the two were close enough to consider each other siblings. Thankfully Scott was there to comfort him, but the two decided to stay away whilst Pearl had such a fresh reaction to them.

Luckily, Grian's come up with a cunning plan. Pearl is scared of them because she's been seeing them as monsters in her dreams, right? So, they just need to make the least monstrous outfits they can.

Which is how Grian and Gem enter Pearl's room wearing something that looks like a badly dressed costume shop mannequin. Grian has a feather boa, big heart shaped glasses, a hat that's almost bigger than his head. Whilst Gem decided the obvious solution would be to dress as a hot dog.

For the first time in a long time, they get to hear Pearl laugh.

Convincing Pearl to stop blaming herself is harder. Especially when it makes you a hypocrite. After all, how can Evo's destruction and the Life Games be Pearl's fault when they're Grian's?

They persist nonetheless, every day coming out with outrageous costumes that Pearl nor her nightmares can predict. Who could know Tango's bizarre hat collection could be so useful! And it's not like their friends ever run out of ideas. They try not to push Pearl too hard, otherwise she shuts down and refuses to listen. They reach out to the people she knows as well for more testimony - people from the life series, Evo, Legacy, Empires. Anybody that might help.

Other than that... They just spend time with her. Whether it's working on her guilt using the therapy techniques they've been reading up on, playing games together, or simply chatting. They've encouraged her to take walks outside instead of being cooped up in her room all the time. Grian knows he'd be going stir crazy holed up inside for so long.

She's able to meet with other people, too. As long as they're willing to look a little silly. Not too often, so she doesn't get overwhelmed. But it's nice feeling less lonely.

The nightmares aren't gone, but they are lessening their hold a little. The first time she wakes feeling fully rested, not remembering dreaming that night, she cries. They're worried something happened at first, until they realise it's happy tears. They cry with her then.

Step by step. They'll get there.

[dmbjexchange]

Gen Exchange Sign-Ups Open

With a great deal of thanks and appreciation to @10yearpromise for letting us use their guidelines and instructions here and on AO3!

~~~

Welcome to the DMBJ Gen Exchange! This is a non-ship fic and art exchange for DMBJ. After a fanwork featuring just a single character? One that focuses on a friendship above (or instead) of anything else? Any other ideas you have or want for something that isn't about a ship? This exchange covers all of those!

In this exchange, participants will be anonymously matched to create gifts for one another during a six week creating period.

This exchange is open to all the DMBJ canons - if it’s DMBJ, then it’s eligible! It will take place on AO3, so you need an AO3 account to participate – if you don’t have one, you can request an invitation code here. If there isn’t enough time, no worries - contact the mods at here on tumblr or on Discord and we can send you an invitation!

Please read this post carefully before signing up.

Schedule

March 14: Signups close March 19: Assignments out April 30: Assignments due May 7: Works reveals May 14: Creator reveals & treats deadline

Guidelines

1. Your creation must focus on your recipient’s request. While unrequested background ships are fine (unless listed as a Do Not Want), the focus must be on the gen (non-ship) request. 2. You will be expected to create a gift matching your recipient’s request. Filling any specifying prompts is not obligatory, but try to create something you honestly think your recipient will enjoy! 3. You must not include anything that your recipient has listed as a DNW (Do Not Want). Not even as a throwaway reference in a single line. This applies regardless of if you are creating a gift or a treat. 4. The minimum requirements for the gifts are 300 words for fic or one sketch on unlined paper for art (traditional or digital; no manips). 5. After the matching is done, all the requests will be made visible to everyone to allow for treating! There are no minimum requirements for treats (but remember to mind your recipient’s do not wants!). You can also create manips and fanvids for treats. 6. This is an anonymous exchange: refrain from discussing your assignment in public. After the works are revealed, there’ll be one week anon period when the creators remain anonymous before the creator reveals. 7. If at any point you need to drop out, just click on the “default” button on your AO3 assignment page; we’ll find a pinch hitter to create a gift for your recipient instead. If you need an extension to finish your gift, contact the mod before the deadline. 8. After the reveals, comment on your gift. 9. Most importantly: be excellent to each other!

Sign-Up Information

Sign-ups will take place here on AO3, ending on March 14th. There, you can fill out details about your request and offer. You can edit your sign-up at any time until the sign-ups close on March 14th.

When signing up, you will be able to choose fandom and genre tags, as well as specify any additional details.

You will have to select the DMBJ canon you’re interested in creating and receiving a gift in:

Novels: Daomu Biji / The Grave Robbers’ Chronicles (including spinoffs, side stories, and extras)

TV: The Lost Tomb 1

TV: The Lost Tomb 2 Explore with the Note

TV: The Lost Tomb 2.5 Heavenly Palace on the Clouds

TV: Ultimate Note

TV: Sha Hai (and spin off movies)

TV: The Lost Tomb Reboot/The Sound of Providence (and spin offs)

TV: The Mystic Nine (and spin off movies)

Movie: Time Raiders

If you’re interested in a canon that is not currently a tag on AO3, such as the South Sea Archives, Moonfall Echo, or the donghua, you can say in your request details that you would like something in one of these canons. Please be aware, though, that the more obscure your request, the harder it will be for your gifter.

This does not mean that you’re limited to requesting or creating a work during the canon timelines for those series/books. It’s just to mark which canons you’re familiar with to allow for easier matching: some participants might have a preference for a particular canon era, some might not be familiar with all the versions. You still have to choose your preferred canon eras even if you want to create or receive an AU.

You will also have to specify genres you’re interested in:

Action/Adventure

Angst

AU

Canon Compliant

Canon Divergent

Dark

Domesticity

Fluff

Humour

Crack

Hurt/Comfort

Requests

Requests

Fandom - you have to choose at least one. If you’re willing to receive a gift in any canon era, you can just click “Any”!

Character - you have to choose at least one. AO3 should let you list up to 20, if you want more than that, you will need to write them in the Optional Details section.

Relationships - if you are after a particular platonic relationship, you can put it here. E.g. 'Zhang Qishan & Zhang Rishan', 'Wu Xie & Xie Yuchen', etc. AO3 should let you list up to 20, if you want any more than that you will need to put them in the Optional Details section. Remember that this is a gen (non-ship) exchange, so romantic/sexual ships should not be asked for.

Genre/Additional Tags - you have to choose at least three tags.

Ratings - you have to choose at least one. This will help your gifter know what you like and are comfortable with when they're coming up with ideas to fill your prompts.

Warnings - you have to choose at least one. This does not mean that you WILL receive a gift with warnings, it just lets your gifter know if you are comfortable receiving a gift with warnings or not.

Optional Details - here’s where you can go into more detail about your perfect exchange gift!

You can include:

General Likes: your gifter may, but doesn’t have to, include them. This isn’t a place for detailed prompts, just general themes you enjoy.

DNW (Do Not Wants): things that your creator must not include - squicks, triggers, characters or things that you simply don’t like. Remember that you don’t owe anyone an explanation about why something is a DNW, and that DNW are not meant to be taken personally. Just list the things you don’t like, “DNW: X, Y.”

Prompts/specific ideas: if you have any prompts, you can also put them here! You can be as general or as detailed as you’d like, but remember that while your creator will try to make the best gift for you, filling a specific prompt is not obligatory. You can include a crossover prompt (with other DMBJ verse or other canons), but make sure it’s not the only prompt you have.

Whether or not you are open to background ships in your gift, and if so, ones you are or are not happy to see.

If you chose novels as one of your fandoms, you can use this field to list the ones you’re familiar with, such as ‘Books 1-4′ , ‘main series only′, ‘main series + specific extras’, etc.

The requests will be made publicly visible after matching is done, so that others will be able to create treats (additional gifts) based on them!

Offers

Fandom - you have to choose at least one. If you can create works for any canon era, you can just click “Any”!

Character - you have to choose at least one. AO3 should let you list up to 20, if you want more than that, you will need to write them in the Optional Details section.

Relationships - if you are offering a particular platonic relationship, you can put it here. E.g. 'Zhang Qishan & Zhang Rishan', 'Wu Xie & Xie Yuchen', etc. AO3 should let you list up to 20, if you want any more than that you will need to put them in the Optional Details section.

Genre/Additional Tags - you have to choose at least three tags.

Ratings - you have to choose at least one. This will help matching what people are comfortable writing with what people are comfortable receiving.

Warnings - you have to choose at least one. This does not mean that you have to create a gift with warnings, it's just for helping to match what people are comfortable writing with what people are comfortable receiving.

Optional Details - in this field, you can tell us more about the kind of works you like to create, for example if you feel best with certain kinds of AUs, or like writing darkfic. We’ll take it into account when matching! By the same token, if there’s something you really don’t want to write, let us know here as well.

If you chose novels as one of your fandoms, you can use this field to list the ones you’re familiar with, such as ‘Books 1-4′ , ‘main series only′, ‘main series + specific extras’, etc.

In the optional details of your offer, you can also name people you don’t want to be matched to, for example your regular beta, and we will do our best to avoid matching you!

The offers will only ever be visible to the mods; never to anyone else.

Your Assignment

You will be matched to create a gift for someone who requested at least one of the fandoms that you offer, with as many similar genres/likes as possible. This exchange will be hand-matched, after using AO3’s matching algorithm to first generate the potential matches.

If you have any issues when you receive your assignment (you have a question about it or think there’s an issue with it), contact the mods as soon as possible. Do not contact your recipient on your own.

You will have to create a gift for your recipient, fulfilling the minimum requirements of fandom, genre, and ship, and avoiding any stated “do not wants”. Filling exact prompts is optional, but try to create something matching your recipient’s likes that they will enjoy!

You will have to post your gift to the exchange AO3 collection before the due date (April 30th), using the “gift this work to” option to give it to your recipient. Your work will remain in the collection only visible to you and the mods until the reveals happen. Remember to tag your work appropriately or use the “chose not to warn” warning.

Treating

Treats are additional gifts for the participants! To allow for treating, the requests will be made visible when matching is done. You can create treats at any time until the creator reveals! There are no minimum requirements for treats, and in addition to fic and art, manips and fanvids are also allowed. As with assignments, you have to respect the recipient’s Do Not Wants, and while the optional details are optional, try to create something fitting the listed likes. One treat can only be gifted to one person.

Pinch Hits

In case someone needs to drop out, we will look for a pinch hitter to complete their assignment. Pinch hits will be posted to this tumblr and the DMBJ Yu Cun Discord.

Extensions

If you think you can finish your assignment, but you need a few days more, you can always ask for an extension!

Multi-Chapter Fics

If you are writing a multi-chapter fic for the exchange and don’t want to drop the entire fic at once, these are the posting guidelines for it:

Multi-chapter fics that are assignment fills must be fully written and at least the first chapter posted by the assignment deadline, ready for the fic reveals on May 7th.

From May 7th, at least one chapter is to be posted daily.

All chapters of the fic must be posted by the time of author reveals and end of treating on May 14th (If the fic is more than 7 chapters long, then this will mean that multiple chapters will need to be posted on some days).

Multi-chapter fics that are treats can begin to be posted at any time from May 7th, but must also be fully posted by May 14th.

Other important information

Make sure to check the email you use on AO3 frequently during the exchange, as it will be the primary means of communication. We might contact you if there is an issue with your sign-up or if your gift creator has a question for you.

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Follow us here to avoid missing an announcement or a deadline!

If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to contact us here on tumblr or on Discord.

[fiveflatcutie]

I AM SO CONFUSED WHAT IS UP WITH KAAN ALWAYS PLAYING WHITE KNIGHT FOR RAEVE

and to think he’s one of the kings!!!

[booksandfantasies]

Some indie fantasy books that I think deserve so much love.

[admiralanarchy]

It's been a month

You know what that means- I've forgotten this account again loool

Anyway, time for WRITING UPDATE, because there have been many of them.

For the tl;dr go here

First off are Genshin Impact fics:

My HeiKazuHei Spirit Realm AU, Sacrifice of a Sacred Deer, is up to chapter 13/16! Nearing the end folks!

I've also written yet another KaeLucKae reconciliation fic, Stars in Our Hands, this one full of tasty little Mondstadt headcanons.

Now for the SettPhel:

I've begun the arduous process of compiling all my many many blurbs into Anthologies, which are now all connected into a series.

First of the blurbs is the random menagerie of AU's, conveniently titled "SettPhel Anthology Two: Blurb Edition". It has a little bit of everything at this point.

Second of the blurbs are my Ionia Nights/Moonfall in Navori City (Neo Noir AU) shorts as well as my super exclusive Patron only SettPhelSett smut fic.

They are still getting updated sporadically (usually on Sundays and Tuesdays) and there's a special Neo Noir YasuAhri on the way still.

As for stuff in the oven...

Well, I haven't announced it officially yet, but there is an incredibly saucy Neuvillette/Wriothesley fic I'm working on, and when i say saucy, I mean it.

There's also a half-hearted HaiKaveh Cyberpunk 2077 AU and some other short Settphel fics. Potentially my two Perihelion Settphel zine fics will be released here soon too!

[wuxian-vs-wangji]

Wait... You've never seen Ultimate Note?

I can see where you'd think that from what I wrote

But it isn't the case at all!

I've seen all of the DMBJ shows!

I'd seen all the main ones (I thought), and for Halloween I decided to go through the series and do a re-watch of JUST the tomb scenes. Now I'm going through and doing a full re-watch of the entire series (Except Sand Sea, which I watched back in September/October).

BUT when I got to Heavenly Palace in the Clouds... I thought I'd seen MOST of it, but apparently I only watched half of episode 1.

So I was acknowledging I finally finished that ... I think technically you have to call it a "show" and not just "disaster" and now I get to watch my 2 favorite shows in the franchise, Ultimate Note, then (skipping Sand Sea as I said bc I recently re-watched it) hitting Reunion.

And supposedly at some point Tibetan Sea Flower is coming out.

Then I will try to track down the other stuff:

Time Raiders

Conjuring Curse

Moonfall Echo

The Hei Yanjing Reunion spinoffs

The Mystic Nine

The Mystic Nine 2

[sedge-and-sanctuary]

Moon Zero - Prologue

The Featherclan camp is hot, and breathless. Leaves droop, limply, on their branches. Clouds, in thready patches, hang stagnant in the sky. There's not even a breeze to stir the air– or carry off the smell of rot. A ginger warrior, still strong, fixes his teeth in the scruff of an elderly clanmate, and drags them down to the riverbank. The cool water does a little to fend off decay; but not enough. The sun beats down. With not enough cats left fit enough to bury their clanmates, the dead fester. The ginger warrior pauses, for a moment, panting— and then goes back for another corpse. Upslope, a thin, young tom staggers from the medicine den, dragging a ragged bundle of herbs behind him. His white pelt hangs off of him, like the skin of a much larger cat. His spine is a series of hills and valleys, starkly visible through the fur. He pauses, for a moment, wheezing to catch his breath, and then drags his pitiful herb-bundle to the nursery. If only the kits can survive; then, at least, their clan will have a future. A pale molly looks up as he enters, blinking kindly at him; though her green eyes are clouded, and unfocused. “Lizardpaw.” Her voice is a rasp. The medicine cat apprentice dips his head, eyes closing briefly– exhausted. “Splashheart. These… this will make you feel better.” He lets the bundle of catmint fall from his jaws, unable to muster further explanation. If only Coniferfrost were here– surely, Lizardpaw’s mentor would be able to heal the clan. He would be back from the moonfalls any day now; Lizardpaw would just have to hold on until then.

[fromthedeskoftheminister]

Its past midnight, beta reader’s asleep, quick post unedited fic cause im proud of the last bit of writing and how i ended it, and @theminecraftbee has got Moon’s big stuff all over my dash (which great choice tbh moons big was amazing) and my brain has decided that now is in fact the time to share the.... uh.... 3rd? no wait its only the 2nd Moons Big plot bunny I had, 3rd minecraft bunny 2nd moons big bunny

So without further ado Simulated Doesn’t Mean Without Consequence - A Hermatrix/Moons Big/Season 8 Finale Fic, Unbeta’ed, Part 1 of ???? Part 2 - Coming Soon to an AO3 Series Near YOU Tango spread his fingers against the glass, his hand flexing absently as he greedily drank in the sights of his friends and family.  He couldn’t tell if the relief that he was feeling was from the simple joy that his family were all in fact alive and in, uh, various states of wellness or from the more selfish realization that he hadn’t failed in his quest to blow up the moon.  The simulation had ended quite abruptly, moments before moonfall if Tango had to guess, catapulting them back into their bodies and awareness without so much as a by your leave and it was very obvious that some of them had not handled the transition very well at all.

His eyes drifted down the line of Hermits as they all waited with varying levels of patience for the Pods to finish draining and equalize to the internal atmosphere of the Hermitheius. Bdubs was pressed up against the glass, as close as he could get to the center of the room and by default the rest of the hermits, eyes wider than normal. Their eyes met, and Bdubs’ grin nearly split his face in two even as his eyes started watering. Tango flashed him a quick smirk and a thumbs up, as his attention wandered again this time seeking out the third member of their trio. Keralis was sitting peacefully on the floor of his own pod making faces at Xb, but he offered Tango a wave of his own when he managed to catch his eye. Basemates accounted for, Tango turned his attention to the rest of his friends. From where he was already looking, it was easiest to find Zedaph, skipping over and noting a few empty pods in the process. He’d been a bit concerned for Zed, isolated as he had been for the entirety of the simulation but there was no way to tell what was going through his buddies head normally let alone know. In fact, Zed was just as he had been since Tango had woken up, back to the room and staring out the window closest to his pod into the void of space.

A soft hiss and release of pressurized air echoed through the room followed by a joyous cacophony of noise and Tango grinned to see that Bdubs’ pod had finished and had released him into the arms of a very surprised Etho, who had been hovering nearby despite having already been out of the simulation for a few weeks already. Iskall, Stress, Wels and TFC had also left the simulation early and Tango had seen all of them at one point or another when they wandered through, checking in on everyone before wandering off again. Wels had even stopped to chat when Tango had waved him down while his own pod was draining. It was hard to communicate through glass without communicators but luckily his pantomimes had been fairly easy to understand. Or at least Wels had gotten the gist of what Tango wanted to know, and had been fairly obliging in his explanation that the five of them had ended up being removed from the simulation early, for a variety of reasons and had simply opted to remain out of the simulation rather than constantly hopping back in and out again during the long trip to Season 8. He’d also had some fairly interesting stories about another projects of Iskalls that he and Stress had gotten involved during the trip. It was when Renbob had wandered through that Wels had left, to chase the hippie back to his bed because both Renbob and the Goatfather had worked themselves to exhaustion trying to make sure that Boatem had made it out, as the last group to get booted. Something about resetting respawns, sleep deprivation and the void that Tango didn’t really get a chance to question Wels on before he went of to play nurse in shining armor.

Even with the heads up, Tango would have probably been the most concerned about the members of Boatem. Pearl had swum to the top of her half-drained pod and was floating on her back, legs pressed up against the glass and watching the room upside down while giggling at random. Scar seemed entirely unperturbed and unphased as he waited for his turn, not that he was paying any attention to the rest of the group. Instead he was sitting cattywampus on the floor of his pod, legs stretched out in front of him, cooing at Jelly who was batting ineffucally at his fingers through the glass. Mumbo on the other hand was standing straight up in the dead center of his pod, nervously running his hands through his hair and avoiding all eye contact despite the fact that he couldn’t seem to stop glancing around at all the people in the room. Grian was also standing in the center of his pod, blank and expressionless, seemingly staring through everything but somehow still watching it all. It was rather eerie and reminded Tango uncomfortably of how Grian had been when he had first joined their merry band of misfits. Still! That was a problem for another time, and quite possibly another pair of hermits. Tango was going to have his hands full as it was trying to help Zed, which a quick glance showed no change over there, and Impulse.

 Out of everyone, it was Impulse who was concerning Tango the most not that he could put his finger on what exactly was sending up the alarm bells. He didn’t look worse off than anyone else in Boatem sitting as he was on the far side of his pod. His buddy was slouched slightly with his back against the glass and one arm loosely resting on a bent knee. From where he was across the room, it was impossible to make out any sort of expression on Impulse’s face but from how it rested against the glass, turned upwards and eyes closed it was probably safe to assume that there wasn’t one.

Tango frowned slightly, as he made eye contact with Jevin and gestured over at Impulse. Jevin thankfully, got the picture and after a moment put his hands together on one side of his tilted head in a pantomime of sleep. Tango let out a sigh of relief but his worry did not abate and he continued to stare. While he wanted his buddy to get some much needed rest, really Mumbo how was sleep deprivation supposed to help prevent Moon Big at all, Devs sometimes Boatem made him despair, something was still wrong. Something just… felt off. He could feel it in his bones, as Impulse would say. Still, he couldn’t put his finger on what.

Another fwissshhh of pressurized air sounded through the room. Another Hermit’s pod had finished equalizing. Probably Cub? Tango glanced over, and yep, that was definitely Cub, sharp teeth, tattered wings and overly blue eyes and all, moving as if he was expecting there to be simultaneously more and less gravity than there actually was. That was certainly interesting. Hadn’t Cub also attempted to escape Moonfall by going to space? Thoughts wandering, Tango jumped when his gaze returned to Impulse only to find one cracked eye blearily peering at him. Tango couldn’t help himself as he threw his arms up and cheered. “IMPULSE! Hey! There you are!”

There was no response, not that Tango had expected one. He knew Impulse wouldn’t be able to hear him but still a wave or something would have been nice. His arms fell as Impulse continued to stare, not at him, but through him before the heavily lidded eyelid slid shut. “Impy?” Tango said aloud, and both eyes opened this time. Had he not been so worried, Tango would have lost it laughing. Trust Impulse’s hatred of that nickname to cause a reaction even when the other couldn’t hear it. Tango didn’t relish the hilarity of that for very long however, as Impulse’s head dropped ever so slightly, the lights of the room hitting at exactly the right angle for him to catch an unobstructed view of eyeshine from not normally yellow glassy eyes.

Oh.

That. That was bad.

That was so very very bad. “Impy?” he tried again. One eye closed, followed by the other before opening again, one after the other in a strange facsimile of a blink. That was weird, even by his standards and the feeling that something was wrong only grew. But Hey! He definitely, somehow, had Impulse’s attention. Because that? That was a response. It had to be. Tango watched as Impulse blinked, once more, this time a lot closer together and looking a lot more like normal. Progress! “C’mon Impy!” Tango crooned. He’d take Impulse being annoyed with him if he could actually get a coherent response. “Up an attem buddy! You can do it!”

Impulse could not in fact do it, and Tango watched in horror as Impulse’s eyes closed and he listed sideways, sliding down the glass and smashing his face on the floor of his pod. 

And       Tango’s                    vision                              goes                                       WHITE